Parts, Accessories, Attachments And Adjuncts Patents (Class 70/51)
  • Patent number: 11028618
    Abstract: An electronic padlock comprising a lock body, a locking hook moveably connected to the lock body, and an unlocking assembly, a locking mechanism, and a mechanical unlocking system and an electronic unlocking system which are provided in the lock body. One end of the mechanical unlocking system and one end of the electronic unlocking system are movably connected to the unlocking assembly to drive the unlocking assembly to perform position conversion between a first position and a second position, respectively; a locking mechanism is defined at the unlocking assembly, when the unlocking assembly is in the first position, the locking mechanism limits a position of the locking hook, the electronic padlock is in a locked state; when the unlocking assembly is in the second position, the locking mechanism is disengaged inwardly from the locking hook so that the locking hook can be pulled out to unlock the electronic padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: DONGGUAN QINGXI KWONG WAH LOCK MFY. CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Man Leung Thomas Liu
  • Patent number: 10607472
    Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes detecting, by a security, device, an event indicative of a potential security breach. The method also includes determining at least one other device to receive an alert indicating occurrence of the event in response to detecting the event. The method includes sending, by the security device, an alert indicating occurrence of the event to the at least one other device in response to detecting the event. A method according to another embodiment includes monitoring, by a security device, for an event indicative of a potential security breach. The method also includes receiving, by the security device, an alert indicating occurrence of a potential security breach from a second security device. The method includes changing a state of the security device in response to receiving the alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Socheat Sou, Daniel Thys Bajema, Brian C. De Guia
  • Patent number: 9640137
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a locking unit to selectively lock a physical connection with an external apparatus and a control unit to control an operation mode of the electronic apparatus, according to a connection state with the external apparatus, in which the control unit controls the locking unit to lock the connection with the external apparatus, when the electronic apparatus is in an operation mode of using a graphic processing unit of the external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ja-goun Koo
  • Patent number: 9042111
    Abstract: A system for securing an access opening of a cable raceway using a single padlock includes a cover having a securing wall and opposed first and second sidewalls, which form a channel for accommodating at least a portion of the cable raceway with the securing wall covering the access opening. First and second insert bars engage the first and second sidewalls and a lock bar engages the first and second insert bars and may be locked in an engaged position to prevent the first and second insert bars from being disengaged with the cover and to secure the cover about the cable raceway preventing access to the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Sean Urquhart, John Marrotte
  • Patent number: 8973415
    Abstract: In one example, a padlock storage system includes a central portion including a padlock body having a shackle and a key for opening the padlock body. The system includes an upper end having a chamber for accommodating the shackle and a lower end having a chamber for placement of a key. Additionally, a coupling system between the central portion and the lower end allows for rotation of the lower end in relation to the central portion and promotes the unlocking of the shackle, where the key activates the unlocking. The padlock system is operable in two operating positions, where the upper and lower ends are able to attach to each other by removal of the central portion or where the central portion is attached to both ends. When the central portion is removed, a retention capsule for containing the key is formed, and which can be held in an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Papaiz Nordeste Indústria e Comércio LTDA
    Inventor: Paolo Papaiz
  • Patent number: 8806905
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock body, a shackle assembled with the lock body, a lock subassembly disposed in a cavity in the lock body, and a shackle retainer assembled with the lock body. The lock subassembly is operable between a locked position securing the shackle in a closed position and an unlocked position permitting movement of the shackle to an open position. The shackle retainer extends into a first shackle bore and is received in a recess in a first leg of the shackle. When the shackle is in the open position, the lock subassembly is manipulable to be moved from a first position to a second position to generate a space in the cavity aligned with the shackle retainer, such that the shackle retainer is extendable into the space for disengagement of the shackle retainer from the first shackle leg recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Gary R. Burmesch, Elliot Gronland
  • Publication number: 20130239628
    Abstract: A system for securing an access opening of a cable raceway using a single padlock includes a cover having a securing wall and opposed first and second sidewalls, which form a channel for accommodating at least a portion of the cable raceway with the securing wall covering the access opening. First and second insert bars engage the first and second sidewalls and a lock bar engages the first and second insert bars and may be locked in an engaged position to prevent the first and second insert bars from being disengaged with the cover and to secure the cover about the cable raceway preventing access to the access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Sean Urquhart, John Marrotte
  • Patent number: 8499594
    Abstract: A combination operated padlock has indicia carrying dials that are turned to set a combination for unlocking a shackle of the padlock. Operating components of the padlock are carried by or within a housing-enclosed frame of the padlock. A strong, corrosion resistant insert, preferably formed from brass of uniform thickness, is configured to fit cleverly around and among the movable operating components to strengthen the padlock and to prevent operating component manipulation if an unauthorized unlocking of the padlock is attempted. In a preferred embodiment, the insert has two substantially identical question-mark-shaped tines configured to extend toward and between different adjacent pairs of the dials that are turned to set a combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Michael O. Misner
  • Publication number: 20130047682
    Abstract: A door handle locking device is used to lock two door handles against pivoting movement. The device includes first and second handle engaging structures with a hinged connecting member extending therebetween. The first handle engaging structure includes a first channel member and a crosspiece extending across an open side thereof. The first handle engaging structure is arranged to be placed over a first door handle with one side of the first channel member resting on top and the crosspiece extending behind the first door handle. The second handle engaging structure includes a second channel member arranged to be placed over a second door handle with one side of the second channel member resting on top and a hook element extending behind. An opening is provided in the second channel member for receiving a padlock for locking the second handle engaging structure to a corresponding opening in the second door handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: DeAnna Rae Kirkbride, Edward Steven Shields
  • Patent number: 8181496
    Abstract: A cross brace for securing on a U-lock having a U-shaped shackle with the cross brace comprising first and second engaging members and a connecting member therebetween. The first engaging member defines a first through bore having a first opening and a first central axis. The second engaging member defines a second through bore having second opening and a second central axis. The connecting member extends between and connects the first and second members relative to one another such that an opening plane extending between the first and second openings and intersecting the first and second central axes is at an acute angle relative to the first and second central axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Ingersoll Rand Company
    Inventor: Cornelius McDaid
  • Publication number: 20120085136
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a padlock includes a rocker having a central through bore and a tongue extending from an outer periphery of the rocker. A latch member is slidably disposed in a cavity in the rocker. A torsion spring is assembled to a spring retaining surface of the rocker and includes first and second legs extending from a center coil portion positioned around the through bore. The first leg extends beyond the outer periphery of the rocker, and the second leg terminates inward of the outer periphery of the rocker and engages a portion of the rocker to apply a biasing force against the rocker when the first leg is in a spring-loaded condition. The rocker comprises at least one spring fastening member securing the torsion spring to the spring retaining surface of the rocker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary Burmesch, Dean A. Paulson, Thomas J. Schlaefer, John Weber
  • Patent number: 8126813
    Abstract: A client obtains license information. The client has a client module for using content under conditions defined in the license information. When the client module is updated and a new function is added, the client obtains updating license information including permission of the new function. The client is allowed to use the content under the conditions defined in the previous license information and the conditions defined in the updating license information without obtaining new rights information for the updated client module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Nagao
  • Patent number: 8092339
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes operating a transmission in a neutral operating range state, monitoring commands affecting an input speed, monitoring a tracked clutch slip speed, determining constraints on an input acceleration based upon the commands, determining a clutch slip acceleration profile based upon the constraints on the input acceleration, determining an input acceleration profile based upon the clutch slip acceleration profile, and controlling the powertrain based upon the clutch slip acceleration profile and the input acceleration profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Kristin L Day
  • Patent number: 8028551
    Abstract: A mountable lock includes a lock body and a retaining member. The lock body is configured to be secured to an external structure by at least one fastening member. The lock body includes a lock interface movable from a locking condition to an unlocking condition in response to proper user manipulation of the lock interface. The retaining member includes a first end receivable in a first opening of the lock body and lockingly engageable with the lock body when the lock interface is in the locking condition, the first end being disengageable from the first opening when the lock interface is in the unlocking condition. The at least one fastening member is accessible through a passageway in the lock body that is blocked when the retaining member is in locking engagement with the lock body, thereby preventing disassembly of the lock body from the external structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: D. Scott Kalous
  • Publication number: 20110079056
    Abstract: The invention relates to a key box construction, wherein shafts of a door are each provided with two parallel flat surfaces in the direction of rotary shafts, an outer cover is provided with bearing parts which each comprise a groove having the same width at an angle which does not allow the door to be taken away at the time of usual opening and closing of the door, and the door is provided at the lower end portion thereof with hooks, whereby the door is hooked directly on an inner case by means of the hooks and a latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: KEIDEN SECURITY KIKIHANBAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuyo Sakai, Yoshimasa Kataumi
  • Patent number: 7870764
    Abstract: A lock body includes a lock mechanism adapted to fix and maintain an inserted securement member, such as a cable or shackle, in position within the lock body. The lock mechanism may be coupled to a combination lock adapted to release the securement member upon entry of a proper combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Gary Burmesch
  • Publication number: 20110005280
    Abstract: In an article for locking an accessory to a physical structure using a separate locking device, and a combination thereof, the article includes an elongate flexible rope having its ends secured, in which the rope has a twist so as to form two separate loop openings. A stop is provided at the location of the twist; the stop having a central opening enclosing the twist. One of the first and second loop openings is configured to be drawn up through an opening of the accessory until the stop abuts an interior surface within the accessory. The drawn up one of the first and second loop openings extends outside the accessory for receiving the separate locking device there through to lock the accessory via said one of the first and second loop openings and locking device to the physical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Blake D. MILLS, IV
  • Patent number: 7631524
    Abstract: A lock for luggage, sports gear or any type of travel enclosure which can be operated by a key, combination or both, which has at least one removable shackle. The lock has one shackle that secures the lock to the luggage or luggage handle while the other shackle secures the luggage closure or zipper. An addition shackle is provided for the purpose of re-closing the luggage after the luggage is inspected by an international airport security agent. If the luggage is inspected, the inspector simply cuts the zipper shackle and re-secures the luggage using the additional or third shackle. A disposable shackle system allows the customer to replace the cut shackle and return the lock to its original condition for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Alberto Araujo
  • Patent number: 7562546
    Abstract: The present invention is a locking system comprising a cylindrical padlock, a lock securing member attached to the cylindrical padlock, a padlock guard, a hasp plate, and at least one of the following: an outer flange on the padlock guard mounted parallel to the hasp plate or an outer flange on the hasp plate mounted perpendicular to the hasp plate. The locking system allows the user to securely store the lock when it is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: JDM Venture LLC
    Inventor: William Taylor
  • Publication number: 20090133450
    Abstract: A lock device includes a universal spacer, for receiving a lock cylinder, and a plurality of spacer holes where one of the holes is positioned to receive a lock bolt of the lock cylinder. A padlock body houses the universal spacer. A plurality of padlock body holes extends from an interior of a universal spacer hole into the padlock body. The padlock body holes are positioned to match the spacer holes and one of the padlock body holes receives the lock bolt when the lock cylinder is in a locked position. A padlock bolt secures the universal spacer, lock cylinder and padlock body in place when the lock cylinder is in the locked position. When the lock cylinder is in the unlocked position, the universal spacer with the lock cylinder can be removed from the universal spacer hole and the lock cylinder can be replaced with another lock cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Locking Systems International Inc
    Inventor: George Uliano
  • Publication number: 20090113950
    Abstract: A lock includes a lock body, which has a core holding hole in a middle portion, and a lock core fitted in the core holding hole; the lock body has several pin holes on a periphery portion thereof; saw-resistant pins are inserted in the pin holes of the lock body respectively to protect the lock body from being damaged with tools such as a saw; the saw-resistant pins have already undergone heat treatment so as to have increased strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Wen-Kwei Chang
  • Patent number: 7490497
    Abstract: A lock heating assembly for use with a padlock device to add heat internally within the padlock device that acts to thaw frozen elements in or around the padlock device by triggering an activation mechanism which induces a power supply to supply the electrical current to an at least one heating element that resides in an electrical relationship with the power supply and the activation mechanism, where the at least one heating element resides in heat radiational proximity to the lock housing of the padlock device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Allen Adcock
  • Publication number: 20090007606
    Abstract: A padlock includes a preassembly lock body including a plurality of lamellae that are bound together by at least one preassembly rivet and that define a cylinder recess. At least one end lamella is attachable to the preassembly lock body and at least partially covers the cylinder recess. A rivet extends through the at least one end lamella and extends at least partially through the preassembly lock body to secure the at least one end lamella to the preassembly lock body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ABUS August Bremicker Sohne KG
    Inventor: Raymond Gunther
  • Patent number: 7458240
    Abstract: A combination padlock with a name card has a housing, a card clamp, multiple dial cores, a shackle, a locking shaft and a key core. The housing has a card surface. The card clamp is mounted detachably on the card surface and holds a name card to indicate who owns the padlock. The dial cores are mounted in the housing, have a combination and provide a combination locking capability. The shackle is U-shaped and has a mounting end and a locking end. The mounting end is mounted through the dial cores. The locking end detaches from the housing. The locking shaft is mounted in the housing and selectively meshes the shackle with the dial cores. The key core is mounted in the housing, locks and releases the shackle by a key and allows a person to unlock the padlock when the combination is forgotten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Jin Tay Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tony Miao
  • Patent number: 7415850
    Abstract: A lock for securing to a selected base object by a user is disclosed. The lock includes a housing, a time display device secured to the housing, a locking mechanism attached to the housing, and a shackle having a first portion disposed within the housing and a second portion disposed between an open position and a closed position. When disengaged from the locking mechanism, the shackle is movable between the closed position and the open position by user manipulation of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be a various styles, such as for example, a padlock or a dial combination. The shackle can be of various structures, shapes and styles. The time display device may include a rotatable face plate. The lock may include illumination means, such as for example, a user operated flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Cris Smyczek, Mark Van Handel, Jesse Marcelle
  • Patent number: 7377135
    Abstract: A portable multipurpose lock having a shackle base with two parallel rods having opposing interior sides with spaced-apart detents, an adjustable lock body with through holes for slidable insertion of the rods, a lock for engaging the rods to secure and lock the lock body on the rods, and one or more recesses formed in the shackle base, lock body, or both, which facilitates placement of the lock around an object or objects to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Gary D. Copus
  • Patent number: 7233245
    Abstract: A system for using a separate fixed or massive object to prevent theft of a motorcycle, the system comprising a frame element including a hollow enclosure having a wall with an orifice therethrough; a reel rotatably mounted in the enclosure; a flexible electrically conductive sheathed cable with a proximal end wound onto the reel and a distal end with a male connector; a control mechanism having an alarm mechanism, a female connector, circuitry to connect the female connector to the proximal end of the cable, to detect presence or absence of continuity between the proximal end and distal end of the cable, and to cause the alarm mechanism to be activated when continuity between the proximal end and distal end of the cable is broken; a locking mechanism having a locked configuration wherein the male connector is prevented from being withdrawn from the female connector, and an unlocked configuration wherein the male connector is allowed to be withdrawn from the female connector; and a power source structured to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel W. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 6860126
    Abstract: A combination lock with a dial displaying window which is directed to a combination lock with the installation of a dial matching frame placed across all the dials and having at least one window for the users to check the combination numerals or symbols on the dials through the window for unlocking the combination lock. The dial matching frame may be differently constructed to provide the window with the displaying function. A magnification lens may be mounted on the window to further enhance the effectiveness during utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Renny Tse-Haw Ling
  • Patent number: 6829915
    Abstract: A trailer lock comprises a rocket bolt, a lock body, and a chain couple. The inner side of the fixed end in the rocket bolt and one of the lock bodies individually has a mounting segment for matching a chain couple with a two-end mounting part and its connection. By the winch design of the chain, it can winch the carrying goods such as bicycle of the supporting base in the end of the car for achieving anti-theft purpose on carrying goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Show-Mon Li
  • Publication number: 20040211232
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the locking device with extending functions, a body of the locking device can optionally connect different additive members, such as an article with a hanging hole, a timer, a compass, a thermal meter, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Sinox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Renny Tse-Haw Ling, Yung-Li Kuo, Chien-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 6745330
    Abstract: To provide a more manageable security system for protecting cable-connected peripheral devices, a computer system is described having a removable peripheral device that is connectable to the computer system via a flying lead and a plug and socket combination, characterized by a lock member that is movable under the control of software running on the computer system to release or secure the plug to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Patrick Maillot
  • Patent number: 6701757
    Abstract: An accessory component for a lock having a lock body capable of being detachably secured in closed loop to define a first bounded area. The accessory component includes a component body having first and second ends. The first end includes a first ring defining a first bore and second end includes a second ring defining a second bore. The accessory component is adapted to be positionable in an installed configuration in which the at least a portion of the lock body is located within the first and second bores such that the accessory component, in combination with the lock body, defines a second bounded area. The accessory component is adapted to secure an object within the second bounded area when the accessory component is in the installed configuration and the lock is detachably secured to form the closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: 6619084
    Abstract: A lock assembly for a cycle includes a lock having a main body integrally formed with an insert, and an appendage having a holder and a latch. The holder is adapted to be fastened to the cycle and has a side slot for snugly receiving the insert of the lock. The latch is movable relative to the holder and is spring-loaded so as to retain the insert in the side slot. Therefore, the lock can be held and carried on the cycle after the insert has been pushed into and retained in the slot, and can be removed from the cycle after the insert has been released from the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Lambert Kuo
  • Patent number: 6539754
    Abstract: A lock has a first steel plate having a first through hole defined to correspond to the core of the body, a circular cap movably received in the first through hole and having a slit defined to correspond to the keyhole of the core. A second steel plate is securely attached to the first steel plate and has a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole and bores corresponding to the holes of the first steel plate. A protection cap is securely attached to a bottom of the second steel plate and a distal edge of the protection cap is securely connected to an outer face of the body. The protection cap has an opening defined to correspond to the second through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Gee Bridge International Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Hao Fang
  • Patent number: 6425274
    Abstract: This invention pertains to the lock cylinder of a rekeyable padlock. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a rekeyable padlock is provided with a lock cylinder formed within. The lock cylinder includes a cylindrical core formed to receive a key and an outer casing formed around the core. A viewing opening is formed within the casing wall, the viewing opening allowing access to pin openings formed within the core to receive selected pins. The viewing opening is shaped such that it provides a viewing area larger than the pin openings, thereby allowing greater visibility when the pins are placed within the pin openings. The advantages of this viewing opening include greater ease in placing the pins into the pin openings and easier detection when a selected pin is the wrong length and does not sit flush within the lock cylinder core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Abus USA
    Inventors: Daniel A. Laitala, Grant T. Laitala
  • Patent number: 6393876
    Abstract: A lock (10) comprising a lock body (12) defining a top surface (14) and a bottom surface (16), the lock body (12) having a bore (18) formed therein extending from the top surface (14) to a location spaced from the bottom surface (16), a key-operated lock cylinder (20) located in the bore (18) and having a keyway opening (22) facing the bottom surface (16), a key entry aperture (24) being formed in the bottom surface (16) for permitting insertion of a key therethrough into engagement with the keyway opening (22) of the cylinder (20) and being sized so as not to permit the cylinder (20) to pass therethrough, a shackle (26), a locking mechanism located in the lock body (12) and being operated by the lock cylinder (20) for locking the shackle (26), characterized by a multifunctional lock top protector element (60) mounted onto the top surface (14) of the lock body (12), the multifunctional lock top protector element (60) being apertured to accommodate the shackle (26) and to surround at least a portion thereof, t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Mul-T-Lock Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Adalbert Matyko
  • Patent number: 6145356
    Abstract: A dual-function lock in accordance with the invention has an axis-defining lock sub-assembly including first and second axially aligned rotator members having confronting first end faces and oppositely facing second end faces. The sub-assembly has a lost-motion recess and an anchor recess on one confronting face and one recess-engaging member extending from another confronting face to permit lock function selection by placing the recess-engaging member into a particular recess. Alternative dual-function lock sub-assemblies include a unitary rotator bolt and a companion actuator. The rotator bolt has a release-mechanism-engaging portion and an actuator-engaging portion. While a first section of the actuator-engaging portion permits limited lost-motion between the rotator bolt and a companion actuator, a second section prevents lost-motion. The lock function can be selectively determined by placing the companion actuator into the desired first or second section of the actuator-engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Randy L. Thwing
  • Patent number: 6101852
    Abstract: An improved padlock assembly is provided which includes a lock body, a shackle with a pair of opposed legs fitting into the lock body, and the lock body including an interior chamber in which are positioned a pair of reciprocal lock plates. A first lock plate operates in response to the manipulation of the lock cylinder, while the second lock plate operates in response to a lock pin to keep it in a locked and/or unlocked position. The entire shackle may be removed by first removing the first shackle leg from locking engagement with the first lock plate, moving the first lock plate back to its locked position, afterwhich the lock pin may then be removed to move the second lock plate to its unlocked position in order to free the second leg of the shackle and thereby remove the entire shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Steinbach
  • Patent number: 6029481
    Abstract: By providing a separate and independent release assembly having independent activation means for controlling the release or opening of a combination lock, an effective, easily produced, combination lock is achieved. The combination lock of the present invention virtually eliminates the ability of unauthorized persons from opening the lock, using known picking techniques, while also being constructed with the interior chambers thereof virtually sealed from ambient surroundings, preventing unwanted contamination from entering the interior of the lock and the rotating components thereof. In addition, a minimum number of components are employed in combination with a housing and a movable shackle which is completely controlled by a separate and independent shackle release assembly having an independent activation member. In this way, the unique combination padlock construction of this invention is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company
    Inventor: Eric Lai
  • Patent number: 5870909
    Abstract: A tamper resistant lock has the combination of compressed o-rings impeding rotation of a plurality of tumblers, false and real notches all having the same length, and hexagon heads on the tumblers to provide a durable and tamper resistant lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventors: Daniel H. Saunders, Jr., Margaret J. Saunders
  • Patent number: 5794465
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an assembly for removably securing a real estate key box to a fixed structure, such as a door or wall. The assembly is designed so that when the key box is mounted on the assembly and locked, neither the key box nor the assembly can be removed from the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Supra Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Hill
  • Patent number: 5715709
    Abstract: By forming a plurality of false void zones in a lock housing in association with the tumbler release channel, a combination lock construction is attained which virtually eliminates the ability of trained individuals to gain unwanted access to the lock. Preferably, the combination lock housing also incorporates a plurality of non-releasing open or void zones or slots formed in association with the lock release groove for each rotatable tumbler sleeve. In this way, the desired false click is provided for each rotatable dial in order to thwart unwanted opening of the combination lock of this invention. Furthermore, the lock construction of the present invention is constructed with the interior chambers thereof virtually sealed from ambient surroundings, thereby preventing unwanted contamination from entering the interior of the lock and the rotating components thereof. In this way, degradation by contamination is virtually eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Sunrich Company
    Inventor: Eric Lai
  • Patent number: 5713225
    Abstract: A padlock holder is provided for receiving the body of a padlock and maintaining the padlock body at a predetermined location within the holder. When the padlock body is at that location the tumbler mechanism of the padlock is in registry with a hole formed in the holder. A drill bit is positioned in the opening to drill through the padlock body and the tumbler mechanism so that the padlock can be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Floyd Bert Smith
  • Patent number: 5706679
    Abstract: A harness for securing more than one part of a vehicle to a station comprising a tether and a U-lock. The U-lock includes a tubular body and a solid shackle. The body has a pair of aligned holes in the wall and a locking mechanism. The shackle is a U-shaped, solid rod, where one leg has a bent foot that fits into one aligned hole and the other leg has a shaped foot adapted to be captured by the locking mechanism after being inserted into the other aligned hole. The tether includes a length of flexible material and a cuff. The length is a braided cable or a chain, and is sheathed. A hardened steel cuff is rotatably connected to the one end of the length. The cuff has a number of configurations of openings through which components of the U-lock are inserted before the U-lock is assembled. A loop is connected to the other end of the length and is sized to permit the cuff, but not the U-lock, to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Zane, Cornelius McDaid
  • Patent number: 5622066
    Abstract: An improvement in a bicycle lock extends the ability of an existing bicycle lock of the type having a U-shaped shackle to secure a bicycle to a post, against theft, by slipping a generally U-shaped essentially rigid link over a leg of the U-shaped shackle of the existing bicycle lock, subsequent to locating the rear wheel of the bicycle in the link, so that upon locking the bicycle frame and front wheel of the bicycle to the post with the U-shaped shackle, the existing bicycle lock also secures the rear wheel of the bicycle against theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Sean T. Shallis
  • Patent number: 5505064
    Abstract: A shackle lock comprises a body, a first shackle, a second shackle, and two holding bodies. The first shackle is engageable at both ends thereof with two insertion holes of the body while the second shackle is engageable at both ends thereof with the two holding bodies, which are provided respectively with an axial hole in which the body is held. The two holding bodies are further provided with two oblong through holes corresponding in location to the insertion hole of the body. The two oblong through holes of the holding body are opposite in location to each other. One of the two oblong through holes of each of the two holding bodies is engageable with the first shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Lo-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 5394711
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock body (1) and a substantially U-shaped shackle (2), a lock mechanism (4) fitted into a cavity (3) in the lock body and to which at least one lock bolt (5) is functionally connected for locking the shackle to the lock body (1), a cover element (6), which is turnably connected to the lock body (1), preferably by means of threads, and which is located in the insertion direction of the key in front of the lock mechanism (4), and a stop member (7), arranged in the lock body transversally with regard to the cover element (6), removable in the open position of the shackle (2) and preventing, in its blocking position, turning of the cover element (6) with regard to the lock body (1), and a locking ring (10) placed in a groove (9) in the lock body (1) surrounding the cover element and arranged to be installed in its position in case the cover element (6) is to be locked permanently to the lock body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Abloy Security Ltd Oy
    Inventor: Jukka Pitkanen
  • Patent number: 5359867
    Abstract: A combination padlock includes: a plurality of magnifying lenses juxtapositionally mounted on a lock body of the padlock with each lens projectively corresponding to each numeral formed on each dial so that the numeral formed on each dial can be magnified by each magnifying lens for a clear reading by a user's eyes; and a hasp pivotally mounted in a side portion of the lock body of the combination padlock having an arcuate hook member operatively lockable with a hasp socket recessed in a projecting portion extending upwardly sidewardly from the lock body in an opposite direction of the arcuate hook member of the hasp for locking an object or a staple within the hasp with a wider angular movement of the hasp. The lock can be conveniently operated with one hand to not only rotate the dials and lock and unlock the hasp, but also to move the hasp into its fully open or locked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Chong-Kuan Ling, Roger Pedlar
  • Patent number: 5236527
    Abstract: A labelled padlock has a body circumscribed by a heat shrunk plastic sleeve displaying a notice. The notice can be imprinted on a hermetically sealed label adhesively affixed to the body of the padlock before a transparent sleeve is applied, or on a surface of the sleeve itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Idesco Corp.
    Inventor: Gerald Brodsky
  • Patent number: RE38832
    Abstract: A dual-function lock in accordance with the invention has an axis-defining lock sub-assembly including first and second axially aligned rotator members having confronting first end faces and oppositely facing second end faces. The sub-assembly has a lost-motion recess and an anchor recess on one confronting face and one recess-engaging member extending from another confronting face to permit lock function selection by placing the recess-engaging member into a particular recess. Alternative dual-function lock sub-assemblies include a unitary rotator bolt and a companion actuator. The rotator bolt has a release-mechanism-engaging portion and an actuator-engaging portion. While a first section of the actuator-engaging portion permits limited lost-motion between the rotator bolt and a companion actuator, a second section prevents lost-motion. The lock function can be selectively determined by placing the companion actuator into the desired first or second section of the actuator-engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Randy L. Thwing